Bob Crum

Gene is a photography friend whose company I missed since he moved to Portland, OR. While in Santa Barbara for a client shoot, we got together for lunch to catch up on our respective photographic activities.

Previously a photojournalist, he's now primarily a commercial photographer who was a Nikon shooter. (Notice past tense.) Like all of us steeped in photography, over time we buy a lot of gear - cameras, lenses, flash units, batteries, remote triggers, etc. Gene calculated that he bought about $7,200 worth of photographic stuff.

Because we have so much money invested in our gear, it's catastrophic to switch brands on a whim. Selling all of our existing equipment, no matter how good it may be, results in a substantial financial hit. This is what keeps most of us locked into our gear status quo.

On a recent shoot, Gene found his gear lacking. There is the first sign it's time to reevaluate. His cameras are five years ancient. In today's world of continually evolving camera technology, five years is a very long time. My Canon 7DMKII is approaching four years of age; my older 7D is almost nine years old. But even my ancient 7D still works like new! Same with my 7DMKII. But older gear lacks the advantages of technically advanced cameras.

He determined it was time to look for a new system. Not an easy task considering the various physical formats, i.e., dSLR, mirrorless ILCs, full frame, APS-C, and micro-four-thirds sensors. Regarding cameras, so many advancements including improved autofocus, enhanced camera stabilization, increased dynamic range, better noise reduction at high ISO, and a variety of resolution options from 16MP to 50MP make gear purchase decisions challenging.

Another photography friend who shoots air shows sold all his Canon gear last year and bought into the Sony system. (Remember, you don't just buy a camera, you buy a system: camera, lenses, accessories, etc.) At last years Wings over Camarillo air show he did everything short of threatening me with a charging rhinoceros to do likewise. Didn't work. Perhaps if he had employed a mermaid to do the persuading, I might now be shooting with a Sony camera.

There are many camera brands and models all with different attributes. Selecting the right one is easier by first defining the primary use. Also essential to review the lens options for a given camera. Excepting point-and-shoot cameras, lenses are a vitally important component. In Gene's case, commercial photography is primary, but he also shoots sports events. Those two genres require different technological requirements challenging to reconcile. Ultimately he bought the recently introduced Olympus OM-D E M1X which, based on specifications, met his needs best. Surprised? I'm not.

Again, be sure to highlight May 1-5, dates of Fillmore's first and exciting Art & Photography exhibition in the city hall council chamber. It's free to attend. Twenty-one great hometown artists are exhibiting over 50 beautiful works of art of various genres. Meet & chat with the artists at the reception Friday, 5/3, 5-7 pm.

Exhibit hours: 5/1 & 5/2, 10 am to 5 pm; 5/3, noon to 7 pm; 5/4, noon to 5 pm and 5/5, noon to 4 pm.

Attend and vote. The People's Choice ballot is on the back of the entry ticket. Tickets available at several Fillmore stores and the exhibition. Submit your ballot by 3 pm Sunday 5/5/19 for a $100.00 drawing.
Photo of the week: Another photo of the ever so delightful California poppies. Happy photoing.

Send comments, questions or suggestions to: focusonphotography@earthlink.net